Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Freemans Visit To Fort Collins
Chris and I just ventured up to Fort Collins for a few days with the goal of finding a house and a job for me. We were able to find the perfect house, and hopefully I'll hear something definite about a job soon. I had a FANTASTIC interview with a company I'd really like to work for. So we'll see what happens, and I'll keep everyone posted.
It was so great to be with our best friends. We would actually stay up late talking, dreaming and planning. Here's a picture of us freezing to death in their basement and doing a little research on our iPhones. :)
While away, I wrote every day on my personal blog, but failed to upload it all here. I realize there are folks who follow this blog that may not frequent my page, so here are the links if you're interested in more details about the trip.
Day 1: Amarillo By Morning
Day 2, Part 1: House Hunting
Day 2, Part 2: Job Hunting
Day 4: Su Casa Es Mi Casa
Day 5: On The Road Again
I have to say that David and Laura's house is just great. They've really done a good job setting it all up, and it's starting to seem like a home. Hopefully they'll post pictures soon (hint! hint!) because it is such a fun place. They've also had quite a few opportunities for meaningful conversation and the starts of new friendships forming in just the short weeks they've been there. Please continue to pray for them as the church is beginning to plant even now through them. We can't wait to join them in August!
Also, please pray for Chris as he leads our group of Tyler college students on a mission trip to Guatemala for the next two weeks. Pray for Hannah and I, as well, as our family is missing the most important link any time he's gone. Thanks!
Praise God for all He's doing in us, through us and around us!
It was so great to be with our best friends. We would actually stay up late talking, dreaming and planning. Here's a picture of us freezing to death in their basement and doing a little research on our iPhones. :)
While away, I wrote every day on my personal blog, but failed to upload it all here. I realize there are folks who follow this blog that may not frequent my page, so here are the links if you're interested in more details about the trip.
Day 1: Amarillo By Morning
Day 2, Part 1: House Hunting
Day 2, Part 2: Job Hunting
Day 4: Su Casa Es Mi Casa
Day 5: On The Road Again
I have to say that David and Laura's house is just great. They've really done a good job setting it all up, and it's starting to seem like a home. Hopefully they'll post pictures soon (hint! hint!) because it is such a fun place. They've also had quite a few opportunities for meaningful conversation and the starts of new friendships forming in just the short weeks they've been there. Please continue to pray for them as the church is beginning to plant even now through them. We can't wait to join them in August!
Also, please pray for Chris as he leads our group of Tyler college students on a mission trip to Guatemala for the next two weeks. Pray for Hannah and I, as well, as our family is missing the most important link any time he's gone. Thanks!
Praise God for all He's doing in us, through us and around us!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Week One
We pulled into Fort Collins the city illuminated by the headlights of our Uhaul truck filled with our accumulated possessions, Josiah and our dogs riding with my parents in car following us. For so long Fort Collins was a place we visited, read about, dreamed of and prayed for. Driving down Mulberry to our home we saw the city in a new way. We've eaten at many of the places we pass by and traveled the same roads, but never like this. Now we're from Fort Collins.Our rent house
has now started to feel more like a home. Now with most of our boxes unpacked and moving behind us we look ahead.
has now started to feel more like a home. Now with most of our boxes unpacked and moving behind us we look ahead. Over the past several weeks God has deepened our understanding of how he works and just how connected we all are. Our lives and experiences have led us and prepared us for this calling. We are so thankful for all of the overwhelming support and prayers.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Livin' On A Prayer
I think Bon Jovi says it best...
"WHOOOOOAAAA, we're half way theeeeerrrre. WHOOOA-OH! We're livin' on a prayer!" (That was for you, Joe and Latricia Sutton!)
Tomorrow half of our ministry team -- the Suttons -- packs the last of their things into a moving van and travels to their new home in Fort Collins.
Chris and I will follow in August, so we just say, "We'll see ya later." But for our families and closest friends, goodbyes aren't too easy to come by.
We knew when we began to consider a church plant in Colorado that it would mean sacrifice for us, but the sacrifice is huge for our families that we leave behind. We ask especially that your pray for them. They'll need the comfort and assurance that God will take care of us and peace though our families are spread miles apart.
Please also pray for safe travels for the Suttons tomorrow, and perhaps patience as they have a toddler in tow!
"WHOOOOOAAAA, we're half way theeeeerrrre. WHOOOA-OH! We're livin' on a prayer!" (That was for you, Joe and Latricia Sutton!)
Tomorrow half of our ministry team -- the Suttons -- packs the last of their things into a moving van and travels to their new home in Fort Collins.
Chris and I will follow in August, so we just say, "We'll see ya later." But for our families and closest friends, goodbyes aren't too easy to come by.
We knew when we began to consider a church plant in Colorado that it would mean sacrifice for us, but the sacrifice is huge for our families that we leave behind. We ask especially that your pray for them. They'll need the comfort and assurance that God will take care of us and peace though our families are spread miles apart.
Please also pray for safe travels for the Suttons tomorrow, and perhaps patience as they have a toddler in tow!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Where's My Water-Proof Mascara?
A recount of today's events from Randi's perspective:
Of all the days to forget water-proof mascara... what an overjoyed mess I've been today!
This morning, Chris led the congregation in worship as he played guitar and sang, something he's done countless times. But this morning was different -- I was watching my husband, the love of my life and best friend, now as the music pastor of our new church. Following him in preaching was David. I've listened to him teach a thousand times it seems since we were in high school Bible study together. But I couldn't help but see him in a new light, too, as I listened to him preach now as the pastor of our new church. Shoulder-to-shoulder I stood with my best friend Laura as we held hands and dabbed our eyes, completely overcome with pride in our husbands and amazement of how God is setting His plans into motion. Oh, how I love my friend. After the service, they had our team stand in front of the church to recognize us all and allow for everyone to come and greet us. The handshakes, hugs, words of wisdom and teary-eyed well-wishes were enough to make a heart swell ten times its size. I've never felt more supported in my life.
This evening, our guys were honored as they were ordained by our church. Our pastor, Robert, explained that ordination is the church's formal recognition of God's calling for Chris and David to do ministry. (As a side note, he also explained that we're ALL ordained for ministry.) The ordination involved the guys being examined individually by Robert and then together by all of the deacons. They were then brought before the congregation who was given a vote to ordain, of which they voted yes.
There were a few testimonies given on behalf of Chris and David. The word used over and over again to describe each of them was "integrity", which is so evident to Laura and me. Then the congregation was invited to come forth and pray for us - the guys seated in front of the congregation and us wives standing behind them. Our present and past college students came first, followed by family and close friends, then the deacons and finally the pastoral team. The prayers offered up on our behalf were things our team has prayed since we began dreaming of a ministry in Fort Collins. It was so affirming to hear our prayers echoed by such wise, Godly people. I admit I opened my eyes and peaked a few times. I just wanted to soak it all in. We were surrounded by our own personal heroes of faith.
A reception was held in our honor following the ordination service. The room was packed! It was such a sweet time that we'll never forget.
We're so grateful for our church family. Their influence has played a significant role in who we are and what we do. We're so appreciative of all that Colonial Hills has done for our families and plan to take anyone who is willing to Fort Collins with us. Thanks to all of our family and close friends who came to celebrate with us on our big day!
Of all the days to forget water-proof mascara... what an overjoyed mess I've been today!
This morning, Chris led the congregation in worship as he played guitar and sang, something he's done countless times. But this morning was different -- I was watching my husband, the love of my life and best friend, now as the music pastor of our new church. Following him in preaching was David. I've listened to him teach a thousand times it seems since we were in high school Bible study together. But I couldn't help but see him in a new light, too, as I listened to him preach now as the pastor of our new church. Shoulder-to-shoulder I stood with my best friend Laura as we held hands and dabbed our eyes, completely overcome with pride in our husbands and amazement of how God is setting His plans into motion. Oh, how I love my friend. After the service, they had our team stand in front of the church to recognize us all and allow for everyone to come and greet us. The handshakes, hugs, words of wisdom and teary-eyed well-wishes were enough to make a heart swell ten times its size. I've never felt more supported in my life.
This evening, our guys were honored as they were ordained by our church. Our pastor, Robert, explained that ordination is the church's formal recognition of God's calling for Chris and David to do ministry. (As a side note, he also explained that we're ALL ordained for ministry.) The ordination involved the guys being examined individually by Robert and then together by all of the deacons. They were then brought before the congregation who was given a vote to ordain, of which they voted yes.
There were a few testimonies given on behalf of Chris and David. The word used over and over again to describe each of them was "integrity", which is so evident to Laura and me. Then the congregation was invited to come forth and pray for us - the guys seated in front of the congregation and us wives standing behind them. Our present and past college students came first, followed by family and close friends, then the deacons and finally the pastoral team. The prayers offered up on our behalf were things our team has prayed since we began dreaming of a ministry in Fort Collins. It was so affirming to hear our prayers echoed by such wise, Godly people. I admit I opened my eyes and peaked a few times. I just wanted to soak it all in. We were surrounded by our own personal heroes of faith.
A reception was held in our honor following the ordination service. The room was packed! It was such a sweet time that we'll never forget.
We're so grateful for our church family. Their influence has played a significant role in who we are and what we do. We're so appreciative of all that Colonial Hills has done for our families and plan to take anyone who is willing to Fort Collins with us. Thanks to all of our family and close friends who came to celebrate with us on our big day!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thank You!
“Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!” Colossians 1:3Words cannot express our gratitude for the support and generosity shown to us by our family and friends yesterday at the Flapjack Fundraiser. Over 60 families were represented, 15 volunteers cooked, served and cleaned, and more than $3,500 was raised. To put it simply, we are overwhelmed and humbled. Thank you!
We'd also like to say a special thank you to The Diner who graciously allowed us to host this event. We appreciate you so much, Lloyd and Tresa Nichols! (And if you're reading this and you've never eaten at The Diner, you don't know what you're missing!)To see more pictures from our event, please click here: Flapjack Fundraiser Pictures.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
How Great Thou...Art?
So we figured we should give you all an opportunity to preview the photography that will be available for silent auction tomorrow night at the Fort Collins Flapjack Fundraiser. All photographs are framed and matted. The size of the photo is indicated next to the picture.
Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado
Starting bids for the photographs are:
$15 - 8 x 10
$25 - 11 x 14
We hope you all enjoy the photography.
Southwest Colorado
(11x14)
Great Sand Dunes National Park
(14 x 11)
Creek, Buena Vista, Colorado
(14 x 11)
Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, Colorado
(14 x 7)
Aspen Tree, Rocky Mountain National Park
(8 x 10)
(10 x 8)
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
(8 x 10)
College Street, Fort Collins, Colorado
(8 x 10)
Open Mall, Fort Collins, Colorado
(8 x 10)
Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado
(10 x 8)
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